Trimming Feet & Nails

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You should trim the fur on your dog’s feet. Long fur (left) not only looks messy, it makes it harder to keep the toenails trimmed. A trimmed Keeshond paw looks rounded, like a cat’s paw (right).

You can use either an electric trimmer (the one in the photo runs on AA batteries), or scissors. If you use scissors, be careful not to cut the dog’s pads. Cut the fur back close to the paw.

Also trim the fur between the pads of your dog’s paw.  Long fur will trap dirt, burrs, etc. It will also make it easier for your dog to slip while running. In the photo on the right, the lower paw has been trimmed. The top paw has not.

The nails in the photo on the left are too long. When the dog steps on this foot, the nails will push back into his paw and will hurt. To compensate, the dog will tilt his paw backward when he walks to avoid putting pressure on the nail. With time, this will deform the bone structure of his feet and legs. The nails in the photo on the right are a much better length.

When your puppy’s nails get too thick for a normal nail clipper, consider buying a Dremel tool and use a medium to coarse sanding tip to grind the nails.

Hold the grinder against the nail for a couple of seconds at a time and do not press on the tool. Stop grinding when you feel the nail become softer. There is a blood vessel inside the nail. If you grind or cut too far, it will bleed. QuikStop, found in most pet stores will help stop the bleeding.

Trim your dog’s toenails about once a week.